Six Flags’ Record-Breaking Goliath Roller Coaster Unveiled (Video)

You’ll notice that in the headline I didn’t specify which record the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Great America breaks. That wasn’t a click-baiting strategy – it’s because Goliath actually breaks three different world records in its field. They’re recognized by Guinness World Recordsand they are as follows: Goliath’s 180-foot drop is the longest in the world, as well as the steepest at a difficult-to-fathom 85-degree angle. And with a top speed of 72 miles per hour, it’s also the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.

The ride was opened to the public this week, to mostly (according to this report) positive acclaim from those that are actually brave enough to ride it. One interesting aspect of their consensus opinion is that Goliath is one of the smoothest roller coasters ever, perhaps due to the ride’s advanced track system from Rocky Mountain Construction.

If you’re either too far from Six Flags Great America’s Chicago-area location or too terrified of roller coaster (or both, like I am) to take a ride on Goliath this summer, you still might be interested to watch the official first-person POV video of the ride from Six Flags below. Pay special attention to that record-breaking first drop: